Cooper joined the Badgers from Alfreton Town during the 2005/06 season as a combative midfielder. He soon moved back into defence where he was an integral part of the NPL Division One play-off-winning side, earning the supporters' player of the year award amongst others.

He joined the coaching staff at Coronation Park in the 2008/09, and stepped into the assistant-manager's role in 2010.

Having left the club briefly under the John Brough regime, Ramshaw was quick to bring him back upon his appointment in October 2011.

At the tail end the disastrous 2011/12 season, Cooper once again pulled on his boots and led by example, producing a string of solid committed performances given the circumstances